Sedgwick TA315 - Riving Knife Maintenance; Saw Spindle Maintenance

TA Operation/Maintenance Instructions Page 26 of 36
Problem
Action
Table does not run smoothly
along its travel
Check that all slides and shafts
are free from debris i.e. resin
build up (lightly oil). Check
roller tension.
Table does not cut a square
edge
Check that the sross cut fence
is set at 90
0
to the sawblade.
Adjust the stop to suit.
Table does not sit level from
front to back
Using a 3mm allen key adjust
the far roller to suit.
Table does not sit level from
right to left
Adjust jib pivot pins to suit
9.4 Riving Knife Maintenance
An improperly set riving knife can affect both ripping and crosscutting accuracy. The
riving knife is supposed to go through the kerf to keep the parts separated. This reduces
the strain on the blade. If the riving knife is not correctly aligned with the blade it may push
the work away from a straight line, or worse still cause the work to hit the riving knife when
fed through. Alignment of the riving knife to the back of the blade is factory set and
cannot be adjusted. Check therefore that the kerf of the blade is greater than the width
of the riving knife by placing a steel rule alongside each of the riving sides. The rule should
be clear of the plate of the saw but should catch on the teeth. Check also that both sides
of the riving knife are square to the table using a 6” square, and that it isn’t bent.
Straighten a bent riving knife using a hammer. If the riving knife is out of square gently twist
the knife by placing pressure on one side or other of the sawguard.
A narrow kerf sawblade will have to be used with a narrower plate riving knife. Again,
ensure that the replacement knife is narrower than the saw kerf, but thicker than the plate
of the saw.
Always check alignment of the saw blade to the riving knife when changing blades.
If a blade continues to vibrate after having carried out all of the above checks check that
the blade itself is not warped, dull, or has too thin a rim. Check for warp with a dial
indicator or pencil. Disconnect the saw and place the point of the pencil against the
blade. Slowly turn the blade while watching the pencil point. If the blade moves the
pencil, or a gap appears between the blade and the pencil then the blade is warped. Try
again with a true blade. If the problem persists check the saw spindle for wear, burrs and
any play in the bearings that the arbor rides in.
9.5 Saw Spindle Maintenance
First check the fixed and loose saw collars to be certain that there are no high spots along
the side that contacts the blade. Any high spots can cause the blade to vibrate in the
saw kerf. Remove any high spots with a fine-cut file. Similarly inspect the arbor threads for
dirt, burrs or raised nicks.
The main spindle bearings are sealed for life and require no lubrication. To check their
condition, turn the arbor by hand while feeling for any roughness. Grasp the arbor and
gently pull up and down to check for any play. Roughness or slack in the bearings means
that they need to be replaced.